Kibale forest national park also known by many as the primate capital of the world because of 13 species it harbours is situated in the western part of Uganda near Fort portal. The park was established in 1993 after being gazetted as a forest log reserve.
Kibale forest national is home to human closest relatives’ chimpanzees, 219 species of trees, 325 species of birds, exploration craters and so much more. The park is the best destination for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda with chances of seeing chimpanzees being 95 percent unlike other chimpanzee forests.
Isunga lodge is sits on an elevated position at the edge of Kibale forest national park commanding spectacular views of the dense chimpanzee forest, mountains of the moon, Lake George and Queen Elizabeth national park. The lodge is just 20 minutes drive from the starting point of chimpanzee tracking.
Isunga lodge is composed of 7 en suite cottages with each cottage privately located so that guests can enjoy a serene and private setting with en suite bathrooms and flush toilets; all cottages have breathtaking views of Kibale forest national park. A camp fire is also set every evening for you to relax from as you share about your day experience with other travellers under African glittering stars.
The spacious restaurant provides the most panoramic views of the park and serves exceptional meals of local and international cuisine, they cater for all dietary requirements and their meals are prepared from produce of the lodges garden or from the surrounding community, you can relax from the restaurant while reading a book, or sip a drink from the well stocked bar.
The lodge is located in an approximate location just 20 minutes drive from Kanyanchu where chimpanzee trekking starts from. The room rates at Isunga lodge range from $75 to $270 depending on room type and occupancy but prices also keep changing from time to time.
Activities
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the most commonly done activity in Kibale forest national park, this is normally done in the morning at 8am or afternoon at 2pm and take about 3hours to find chimpanzees and you will be given an hour to spend with human close relatives. A part from chimpanzees you will also be able to spot other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and so much more.
Bigodi swamp
The Bigodi sanctuary swamp walk can be done early morning or afternoon and normally takes a period of 3 to 4 hours. The swamp is home to 200 species of birds especially water birds and various species of monkeys can also be seen.
Nature guided walks
Nature guided walks can be done in Kibale forest, along the craters, waterfalls and night walks are also conducted from 7:30 and take about 2 hours, the night walks give clients an opportunity t see various nocturnal animals.
How to get there
Kibale forest camp can be accessed within 5-6 hours drive from Kampala the capital of Uganda.
